Getting Started: Points and Miles 101

04/28/25 • 19 min

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down the fundamentals of points, miles, and loyalty programs.

She explains what points and miles are, how they function as a form of currency in loyalty programs, and the different types of points travelers can earn.

The episode also covers the difference between flexible and non-flexible points, and how to best utilize travel rewards credit cards.

Genni emphasizes the importance of understanding these basics to make the most out of budget travel strategies.

Listeners will gain the foundational knowledge needed to confidently use points and miles to make their trips more affordable.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Points and Miles

00:58 Understanding Points and Miles

03:10 Earning Points and Miles

07:09 Flexible vs Non-Flexible Points

08:13 Flexible Points: Examples and Benefits

12:11 Non-Flexible Points: Examples and Limitations

16:17 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin breaks down the fundamentals of points, miles, and loyalty programs.

She explains what points and miles are, how they function as a form of currency in loyalty programs, and the different types of points travelers can earn.

The episode also covers the difference between flexible and non-flexible points, and how to best utilize travel rewards credit cards.

Genni emphasizes the importance of understanding these basics to make the most out of budget travel strategies.

Listeners will gain the foundational knowledge needed to confidently use points and miles to make their trips more affordable.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Points and Miles

00:58 Understanding Points and Miles

03:10 Earning Points and Miles

07:09 Flexible vs Non-Flexible Points

08:13 Flexible Points: Examples and Benefits

12:11 Non-Flexible Points: Examples and Limitations

16:17 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Previous Episode

Trailer

Welcome to Lazy Budget Travel Tips with Genni Franklin

In this trailer for the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin gives you the inside scoop on the show.

If you're tired of overcomplicated strategies and just want straightforward, practical advice on budget-friendly travel, you’re in the right place!

Genni, a seasoned traveler and founder of the Traveling Franklins blog and Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook group, is here to help everyday travelers navigate the world of points and miles without all the stress.

Whether you're looking to stretch your travel budget or make the most of your travel rewards, Genni's got you covered with simple tips, real-life stories, and easy-to-follow strategies.

Each episode will feature solo segments, fun guest chats, and listener stories, all aimed at helping you travel smarter without the overwhelm.

New episodes drop weekly, so make sure to subscribe and get ready to learn how to save money and travel more!

Launch date coming soon!

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Next Episode

Making Disney Affordable with Chelsea from Pixie Point Gals

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, host Genni Franklin dives into the pressing question of whether a trip to Disney can be affordable amidst rising costs.

Joined by Chelsea Buck from Pixie Point Gals, who is well-versed in saving money on Disney vacations using points and miles, the episode sheds light on various strategies.

This includes renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points to stay at deluxe resorts for a fraction of the cost.

Chelsea shares her family's deep-rooted Disney obsession and the tricks they use to visit Disney World several times a year.

The discussion covers the differences between Disney World and Disneyland vacations, tips on using points and miles for flights and hotels, and the value of flexible points programs.

Additionally, they delve into the advantages of staying at Disney deluxe resorts, on-site dining, and leveraging perks like early morning entries and evening hours.

Tune in to learn how to make your dream Disney trip a reality without breaking the bank!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Affordable Disney Travel
00:55 Meet Chelsea Buck: Disney Fanatic and Points Expert
02:14 Disneyland vs. Disney World: A Tale of Two Parks
06:30 Flying to Disney: Points and Miles Strategies
13:53 Using Points for Disney Hotels
33:11 Disney Vacation Club: A Deep Dive
38:20 Exploring Disney Resort Stays
39:25 Maximizing DVC Points
40:12 Renting DVC Points: A Beginner's Guide
41:38 Alternative Ways to Rent DVC Points
43:24 Understanding DVC Point Costs
44:47 Saving Money on Disney Food
49:28 Using Points and Miles for DVC Rentals
50:45 Popular DVC Resorts
56:18 Money-Saving Tips for Disney Trips
01:03:07 Disney Chase Visa and Other Cards
01:05:09 Rapid Fire Disney Questions
01:10:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources:

Traveling Franklins blog post: 10 Ways to Save Money on Disney Hotels

Connect with Chelsea and Disney Point Gals on Instagram and their website.

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

Show Support for the Podcast: Check out my Credit Card Links (no cost to you) or Buy Me A Coffee (or Burrito iykyk)

Lazy Budget Travel Tips - Getting Started: Points and Miles 101

Transcript

Episode 2 - Getting Started: Points and Miles 101
===
[00:00:00]
Welcome back to the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast. I'm your host Genni Franklin, and in today's episode, we are breaking down the basics of points, miles, and loyalty programs. We'll be talking about what points of miles really are and how they work, and what types of points of miles you should be earning and why.
I truly believe that points and miles and loyalty programs are the foundation of a great budget travel